If the process of moving to a new home is stressful for you, imagine what it must be like for your pets. Follow these tips to make your move safer and less stressful for you and your furry friends.

Switching vets?
Ask for extra prescription refills, gather vet records, and discuss the safest options for moving with your pet. Knowing that your pet is in good health buys you time to properly research a new vet.

When researching a new vet, look for recommendations from local neighborhood social media groups. It’s also a good way to meet new people in the area and socialize your animal!

Stockpile specialty food
In case you can’t find special foods right away in your new area, bringing an ample supply will help avoid delays and emergencies. Animals generally don’t do well when switching foods quickly so if you are opting for a new brand, mix half the new food and old food for a while to ween them off.

Microchip and update tags
Make sure your new address and phone number are visible on any tags, and if you haven’t already, this is a great time to microchip your pet. Your vet can help you reassign the contact information if you already have a microchip.

Do your homework
Find out what’s required in your new community. There may be stricter leash laws, specific tags required for pet sitting/walking services, or your pet may need new medications to avoid localized pests, like ticks.

Manage your pet’s stress
Having multiple people moving items in the house can cause stress for pets. Ask a friend to watch your animal companion while this is going on.

Manage the environment
Keep as many of your pet’s belongings with you during the move as possible, and pack what you must last. Never leave your dog at home alone in an empty house—a barren environment can be extremely stressful, causing behavioral and anxiety issues. If you have to keep your home empty with a pet home, consider crating them and putting a blanket and toys in with them if its suitable for your animal. A hack for making them comfortable in a crate sometimes is draping a towel or blanket over the crate to make them feel more safe and enclosed in a new place.

Protect your pet during travel
Always talk to your vet about the safest possible option for traveling, based on size and breed. Look for dog seatbelts for smaller dogs, cats or puppies that will hold them to the seat with little room to wiggle around and wander the vehicle. For bigger animals, try a backseat hammock that will restrain them from entering the front of the vehicle while you’re focusing on the road and protects your seats from fur.

Road trip basics
Keep your pet safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. Your vet may also recommend a calming, all-natural vitamin to reduce stress and help your pet relax. Pack an on-the-go traveling kit with your pet’s food, water, medications, a leash, waste bags, vaccination records, and a toy or blanket to give your pet a sense of familiarity.